This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Next stage in ferry tender
14/12/2006
The next stage of the tendering exercise for an improved and extended ferry service to the Clyde and Hebrides was announced today. Enhancements that include additional sailings, and a £20 million new ferry.
Two companies, Vships and CalMac Ferries Ltd, have been invited to tender for the services.
To comply with European law, these services have had to be tendered.
This network currently serves 23 islands and 4 peninsulas. In 2005/06, the services carried approximately 4.7 million passengers, 1 million cars and just over 100,000 commercial vehicles and coaches.
Minister for Transport Tavish Scott said:
"More sailings, a new ship and better timetables to meet local needs are improvements that will happen as a result of this tender.
"These ferry services are a lifeline to communities across the West Coast of Scotland and the Firth of Clyde. They provide a vital link to employment, education and social activities, boost the local economy, and encourage tourism.
"I would encourage the two companies invited to tender to come forward with their ideas for running efficient and reliable services that meet the transport needs of all the local communities involved."
Background:
All of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services are of a lifeline nature and require an annual revenue deficit grant from the Scottish Executive to maintain service levels. The services were previously operated by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. a company wholly owned by the Scottish Executive.
In order to comply with European law relating to State aid for maritime transport, an open public tender is necessary in respect of the Clyde & Hebrides ferry services. In recognition of the uniqueness of the CalMac fleet and to ensure a level playing field for all bidders the Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd has recently been split into an asset-owning company (Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd) and a new operating company CalMac Ferries Ltd who will continue to operate the lifeline services in the interim and bid for the new contract.
The Executive is tendering the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) as a single bundle, with the exception of the Gourock-Dunoon service which is being taken forward separately. Three companies submitted PQQs and two, CalMac Ferries Ltd and V Ships have been invited to tender, the third company, Western Ferries, withdrew from the process.
Prior to finalising the service specification the Executive consulted on possible improvements.
From winter 2007 further enhancements will be made to the timetable:
- extending the double vessel service to Islay that currently operates during the peak summer season so that it covers the whole summer timetable period,
- An additional daily return sailing to the winter timetable for Ardossan - Brodick;
- An additional Friday evening return between Oban - Craignure; and
- An additional winter Sunday sailing from Oban to Coll and Tiree.
These additional sailings along with the improvements already introduced will benefit the communities and boost the economy of these fragile communities.
The enhancements will be incorporated into the service specification for the new contract for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services which will be issued to the companies invited to tender.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd will be asked to order a new £20 million vessel for Islay, which will provide much-needed additional capacity on the routes from Kennacraig to Islay and improve services to local residents, businesses and tourists.
In addition bidders are being invited to consider options for a direct Mallaig - Lochboisdale service that would replace the Oban - Lochboisdale service, whilst leaving Castlebay served from Oban.
The National Transport Strategy made the commitment that comprehensive research will be undertaken during the lifetime of the contract. The issues to be considered will include, but not be restricted to, vessels, services, timetables and a review of the fares structure. This research will include a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) appraisal, examining options for ferry services to Lismore, and will consider whether it is feasible to improve the Oban - Craignure service to allow daily commuting to and from Mull.
The timetable for the tender is as follows-
Issue ITT - 14 December 2006
Bids returned by - 11 May 2007
Selection and Appointment of Operator - Summer 2007
Contract commence - Autumn 2007